Rhythmic dancing poles

ABSTRACT

Poles for teaching children rhythmic motor responses and coordination through the performance of the Tinikling, otherwise known as the Phillipine Stick Dance. A plurality of poles are provided usually in pairs with each pole having at its opposite ends a handle and an associated collar rotatably mounted around a split inner member fixedly attached to the pole. The collars knock together when the poles are manipulated to maintain a predetermined distance between the poles and also to maintain a predetermined distance above the ground. Each pole also may include a releasable snap lock connection in the center thereof to reduce the length of the poles for storage.

United States Patent 11 1 1 1 3,904,197

Canonge Sept. 9, 1975 RHYTHMIC DANCING POLES 3,490,767 1/1970 Rubin 272/74 [75] Inventor: Sidney J. Canonge, Huntington FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Beach, Cahfi 657,51 1 3/1938 Germany 46/221 404,423 l/l934 United Kingdom 30l/ll l [73] Asslgnee' Devdqpment Huntmgmn 449.430 6/1936 United Kingdom 295/44 Beach, Callf.

[22] Filed: July 12, 1974 Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant EXaminerR. T. Stouffer Zl A l. N 4 I 1 pp 0 88 015 Attorney, Agent, or Firm(]e0rge W. FlnCh [52] US. Cl. 272/74; 285/397; 30l/l; 57 ABSTRACT 403/292; 403/379 511 lm. c1. A63B 5/22; Fl6B 7/00 3 i l i fi g f i 58 Field of Search 272/74, 84; 46/221; f g z g gm g k 5 193/37; 285/109, 308, 370, 397-, 295/36 R, A f' n s f; d is; 36 A, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, a l 3 i 50; 301/1, 122, 111, 123-, 403/292. 297, 298, we P s OPPOS' e S a c T 344 378 379 assoclated collar rotatably mounted around a spl1t inner member fixedly attached to the pole. The collars References Cited knock together when the oles are mampulated to maintain a predetermmed dlstance between the poles UNITED STATES PATENTS and also to maintain a predetermined distance above l .l 4/1 74 Haye 295/37 the ground. Each pole also may include a releasable 792356 6/1902 Calvert 272/84 snap lock connection in the center thereof to reduce 1366200 the length of the poles for storage. 2,473,388 6/l949 3,l89,346 6/1965 14 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEB SEP 91975 JHI L J b RHYTHMIC DANCING POLES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For centuries the natives of the islands of the Phillipines have performed the Tinikling or Phillipinc Stick Dance. In its simpliest form a pair of bamboo poles are held at their respective ends by two individuals who with a predetermined rhythm. strike the spaced poles on the ground and then, lifting the poles from the ground, strike them together. At the same time one or more dancers step in and out of the poles in rhythm with the stick manipulations so that the dancers feet always avoid the poles. The bamboo poles being a cheap commodity in the Phillipines are a common ex pedient there. However, the bamboo poles do have var ious disadvantages. For example, when struck to the ground the bamboo poles tend to skin the knuckles of the pole manipulators. (are must be taken when striking the poles together so that ones hands are not in the way since over an extended length of time injury will result. Also, bamboo poles have varying resiliency and should a dancer get a foot caught by the pole, injury can result. This is especially true if the poles have Prey i ously been stepped on so that splinters are present which tend to further injure the dancers' legs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present rhythmic dancing poles can provide hours of entertainment and physical exercise while teaching rhythm and the coordination of motion with the rhythm, primarily to school age youngsters. At the same time, the dangerous disadvantages of the native bamboo poles are eliminated. The poles themselves are constructed from plastic tubing which is tough yet flexible enough not to cause any injury to the ankles when the ankles are caught between the poles. To facilitate storage and handling, the poles are split in the center and are connected or disconnected through the use of a splice tube employing a snap lock for easy connection and separation. Collars are provided adjacent the opposite ends of the poles and are also constructed from a tough plastic material. These collars are maintained in position by means which allow rotation to accommo date handling on soft surfaces such as grass. carpet or sand. The knockers also assure that the poles are always separated a predetermined distance which. in combination with the resilient nature of the poles, assures that none of the dancers will be injured. For hand protection and appearance, end caps are also provided on the ends of the poles used as handles and audibility is enhanced by rattles which are held inside the poles by rubber plugs.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide modern substitutes for bamboo dancing poles.

Another object is to provide apparatus for perform ing the Tinikling which is safe and long lasting.

Another object is to provide fun means for teaching rhythm in combination with motor skills.

Another object is to provide rhythmic dancing poles which are easily and cheaply constructed and yet are long lasting when used for their intended purpose.

Another object is to provide rhythmic dancing poles which can be stored in a relatively small space.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification which covers a preferred embodiment thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective view of the rhythmic dancing poles constructed according to the present invention;

Fl(l 2 is an enlarged, crosssectional view taken on line 22 in FIG. showing the snap connection and disconnection means;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the poles in the process of disconnection;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1 showing the retention means for the pole knockers; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cutaway cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. I also showing the knocker retention means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing more particularly by reference numbers, number 10 in FIG. 1 refers to a pair of generally identical rhythmic dancing poles I2 and I4 constructed according to the present invention. The poles I2 and I4 are normally constructed from plastic tubing such as PVC tubing and are of a diameter suffi ciently large to provide the desired resiliency to the pole with commercially available PVC tubing. I 5/l6ths diameter tubing has proved to be advantageous since in commercial wall thicknesses it is tough enough to prevent injury to the poles if stepped on while being flexible enough to prevent injury to ankles caught therebetween. To facilitate the storage and handling of the poles which are usually 6 or more feet long, the poles are split into two sections, shown as sections 16 and I8 of pole I2. A splice tube 20 is provided and permanently attached to the inner diameter of pole section 16, extending outwardly into pole section 18. The portion of the splice tube 20 which extends into pole 18 is provided with an axial slit 22 and a closely adjacent outwardly extending button 24. The button 24 is permanently fixed to the splice tube 20 by means such as riveting through the wall thereof as shown in FIG. 2. A hole 26 of a diameter just larger than the outer diameter of the button 24 is provided in the wall of the tube section 18, an axial distance from the split end 27 equal to the distance that the button 24 axially extends from the end 28 of the pole section 16. When the splice tube 20 is inserted inside the tube section 18, the portion 29 of the splice tube 24 adjacent the slit 22 flexs inwardly to allow clearance for the button 24. When the splice tube 20 has been completely extended into the pole section 18, the pole sections [6 and 18 are rotated relative to each other until the button 24 snaps upwardly into the hole 26 as shown in FIG. 2.

To detach the two pole sections, 16 and IS, the sections are rotated relative to each other in the direction shown by the arrows 30 so that the hole 26 in the pole section 18 tends to pass over the slit 22. This causes the button 24 to deflect the portion 29 downwardly, unlocking the two sections 16 and I8 and allowing them to be slid apart. Attempted relative rotation of the sections I6 and 18 in the opposite direction will not cause unlocking because the forces tend to push the button 24 into the hole 26 instead of retracting it.

The outer ends 31 and 32 of the poles l2 and I4 are covered by caps 33 both for appearance and to assure that no rough edge in available to injure the manipulators of the poles l2 and 14. These caps 33 also assist the manipulators since they act as handles to assure that the manipulators hands do not slip.

Knockers 34 are provided spaced a predetermined distance from the caps 33 adjacetit the outermost ends 31 and 32 of the poles l2 and 14. These knockers 34 are normally hollow, blow molded, plastic collars having inwardly extending flanges 36 and 38 whose inner ends 40 and 42 define a circular opening of a diameter just larger than the outer diameter than the pole 12 or [4 on which it is positioned. The retention of the knockers 34 at the desired position is accomplished by means of inner collars 44 each of which can be con structed from a section of the plastic tubing from which the pole sections [6 and 18 are constructed. It is prefen able that the inner collar 44 has an axial length that is just smaller than the inner surface distance between the flanges 36 and 38. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner collar 44 is split axially along its length. This allows the collar 44 to be stressed open so that its inner diameter can fit over the outer diameter of the pole 12 or 14. To place a knocker 34 on the pole 12 or [4, the knocker 34 with its inner collar positioned between the flanges 36 and 38 is slid onto the end of the pole before the cap 32 is installed. A button 46 similar to the button 24 is centrally positioned and attached to the inner collar 44 facing inwardly. As the inner collar 44 and the knocker 34 are slid along the pole, the stressed condition of the inner collar 44 causes the button 46 to snap into a hole 48 in the wall of the tube 14 provided for that purpose. This snap action locks the inner collar 44in position on the pole 12 or 14. Since the button is preferably positioned 180 from the slit in the inner collar 44, rotational force applied thereto does not tend to force the button 46 out of the hole 48 as is the case with button 24 positioned adjacent slit 22. Each knocker 34 is thus permanently retained in its desired position on the pole 12 or 14 yet due to the loose fit of the flanges 36 and 38 with respect to the inner collar 44 and the outer di ameter of the pole 14, the knocker 34 is free to rotate to prevent scuffing thereof on hard surfaces and facili tate the handling of the poles 10 on soft surfaces such as grass, carpet or sand. The hollow nature of the knockers 34 also produces a distinctive sound. making the rhythm of the pole manipulation easier to follow es pecially on soft surfaces.

The outer surface 50 of the knocker 34 is spaced a predetermined distance away from the pole 14 to assure clearance between the poles l0 and the ground. This prevents potential injury to the hands of the ma nipulators of the poles. The knockers 34 are positioned at the same positions on each pole l2 and 14. There fore, when the manipulators attempt to strike the poles together the outer surfaces 50 of the knockers 34 are the actual portions of the poles 10 which strike together. thus maintaining a predetermined spacing of the poles to prevent injury to ankles thcrebetwecn, This is a feature in addition to the flexibility of the poles and the non splinterable nature thereof which assures that the poles 10 can be used by relatively untrained and rambunctious youngsters without fear of injury.

To assist the dancers and manipulators of the poles l0, rattles such as small stones 52 can be placed inside the tube sections 16 and 18. The sound produced by the stones 52 make it easier for the dancers to pick up the rhythm at which the poles are being moved which may or may not be accompanied by music. The stones 52 are easily retained in the poles by stuffing a small wad 54 of foam material in each pole section 16 and 18 adjacent the splice tube 20 and a similar wad 54 adjacent the knockers 34.

Thus there has been shown and described novel moderri replacements for the bamboo dancing poles used to dance the Tinikling which fulfill all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. Many changes, alterations modifications and other uses and applications of the subject rhythmic dancing poles will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specifi cation and the accompanying drawing. All such changes, alterations, modifications and other uses which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be coycred b the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. At least one rhythmic dancing pole for use in teaching rhythmic motor responses and coordination through the performance of the Tiniklin v aid pole in cluding:

a first tube section having outer and inner ends and inner and outer surfaces;

a second tube section having outer and inner ends and inner and outer surfaces;

a splice tube having first and second end portions and an outer surface, said splice tube first end being permanently attached within said first tube section inner end and said splice tube second end including means for releasable attachment to said second tube section inner end. said means for rclcaseable attachment including a slit extending from said sec ond end thereof, an attachment member extending radially outwardiy from said splice tube adjacent said slit a predetermined distance from said first tube section inner end, and a discontinuity in at least the inner surface of said second tube section for receiving said attachment member. said discon' tinuity being spaced from said second tube ection inner end a predetermined distance similar to said predetermined distance said attachment member is spaced from said first tube section inner end so said first and second tube section inner ends are held together thereby;

a first collar;

means for rotatably mounting said first collar about said outer surface of said first tube section a predc terniincd distance from the outer end thereof:

a second collar; and

means for rotatably mounting said second collar about said outer surface of said second tube section a predetermined distance from the outer end thereof.

2. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 1 wherein said first collar includes a pair of spaced flanges extending radially inwardly, said means for no tatably mounting said first collar including.

means for engaging said first tube section. said means having a pair of spaced abutment surfaces {H1517 tioned between said pair of first collar spaced flanges for engagement therewith to restrain said first collar at said predetermined distance from said outer end of said first tube section.

3. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 2 wherein said second collar includes a pair of \Pitltl flanges extending radially inwardly, said means for n. tatably mounting said second collar including:

means for engaging said second tube section. said means having a pair of spaced abutment surfaces positioned between said pair of second collar spaced flanges for engagement therewith to restrain said first collar at said predetermined distance from said outer end of said second tube section.

4. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 3 wherein said means for engaging said first and second tube sections are split tubes extending about said tube sections more than 180. said split tubes each having a collar attachment member extending radially inwardly. each of said tube sections having a discontinuity in at least its outer surface to catch and retain said collar attachment member.

5. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 4 wherein said discontinuities are holes from said inner surface to said outer surface of said tube sections.

6. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 3 wherein said first and second tube sections include end caps on their outer ends.

7. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 6 wherein said first and second tube sections include loose particles therein. said particles rattling within said pole as it is manipulated.

8. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 7 ineluding:

wads of foam rubber positioned within said pole sec tions near said inner ends thereof to retain said particles within said sections.

9. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 8 including a second pole substantially similar to the defined pole. said second pole having collars spaced a dis tance apart which is the same as the distance said first pole collars are spaced apart so when said pole are manipulated, said collars strike together spacing said poles.

10. At least one rhythmic dancing pole for use in teaching rhythmic motor responses and coordination, said pole including:

a first tube having first and second ends and inner and outer surfaces;

a first collar including a pair of spaced flanges extending radially inwardly;

means for rotatably mounting said first collar about said outer surface of said tube a predetermined distance from the first end thereof, said means for rotatably mounting said first collar including means for engaging said tube, said means for engaging said tube having a pair of spaced abutment surfaces positioned between said pair of first collar spaced flanges for engagement therewith to restrain said first collar at said predetermined distance from said first end of said tube;

a second collar including a pair of spaced flanges extending radially inwardly; and

means for rotatably mounting said second collar about said outer surface of said tube a predetermined distance from the second end thereof. said means for rotatably mounting said second collar including second means for engaging said tube. said second means for engaging said tube having a pair of spaced abutment surfaces positioned between said pair of second collar spaced flanges for engagement therewith to restrain said second collar at said predetermined distance from said second end of said tube. said first and second means for engaging said tube a predetermined distance from said first and second ends thereof being split tubes extending about said tube more than said split tubes each having a collar attachment member extending radially inwardly. said tube having discontinuities in at least its outer surface said predetermincd distance from its end portions to catch and retain said collar attachment member.

11. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 10 wherein said discontinuities define holes from said inner surface to said outer surface of said tube.

12. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 10 wherein said tube includes:

large particles therein. said particles rattling within said pole as it is manipulated; and

wads of resilient material positioned within said pole near said first and second ends thereof to retain said particles within said pole.

13. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim [0 including a second pole substantially similar to the de fined pole. said second pole having collars spaced a distance apart which is the same as the distance said first pole collars are spaced apart so that when said poles are manipulated, said collars strike together spacing said poles.

14. The rhythmic dancing poles defined in claim l3 wherein each tube includes:

a first tube section;

a second tube section; and

a splice tube having first and second end portions and an outer surface, said splice tube first end being permanently attached within said first tube section inner end and said splice tube second end including means for releaseable attachment to said second tube section inner end, said means for releaseable attachment including a slit extending from said second end thereof, an attachment member extending radially outwardly from said splice tube adjacent such slit a predetermined distance from said first tube section inner end and a discontinuity in at least the inner surface of said second tube section for receiving attachment member. said discontinuity being spaced from said second tube section inner end a predetermined distance similar to said predetermined distance that attachment member is spaced from said first tube section inner end so said first and second tube section inner ends are held together thereby. 

1. At least one rhythmic dancing pole for use in teaching rhythmic motor responses and coordination through the performance of the Tinikling, said pole including: a first tube section having outer and inner ends and inner and outer surfaces; a second tube section having outer and inner ends and inner and outer surfaces; a splice tube having first and second end portions and an outer surface, said splice tube first end being permanently attached within said first tube section inner end and said splice tube second end including means for releasable attachment to said second tube section inner end, said means for releaseable attachment including a slit extending from said second end thereof, an attachment member extending radially outwardly from said splice tube adjacent said slit a predetermined distance from said first tube section inner end, and a discontinuity in at least the inner surface of said second tube section for receiving said attachment member, said discontinuity being spaced from said second tube section inner end a predetermined distance similar to said predetermined distance said attachment member is spaced from said first tube section inner end so said first and second tube section inner ends are held together thereby; a first collar; means for rotatably mounting said first collar about said outer surface of said first tube section a predetermined distance from the outer end thereof; a second collar; and means for rotatably mounting said second collar about said outer surface of said second tube section a predetermined distance from the outer end thereof.
 2. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 1 wherein said first collar includes a pair of spaced flanges extending radially inwardly, said means for rotatably mounting said first collar including: means for engaging said first tube section, said means having a pair of spaced abutment surfaces positioned between said pair of first collar spaced flanges for engagement therewith to restrain said first collar at said predetermined distance from said outer end of said first tube section.
 3. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 2 wherein said second collar includes a pair of spaced flanges extending radially inwardly, said means for rotatably mounting said second collar including: means for engaging said second tube section, said means having a pair of spaced abutment surfaces positioned between said pair of second collar spaced flanges for engagement therewith to restrain said first collar at said predetermined distance from said outer end of said second tube section.
 4. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 3 wherein said means for engaging said first and second tube sections are split tubes extending about said tube sections more than 180*, said split tubes each having a collar attachment member extending radially inwardly, each of said tube sections having a discontinuity in at least its outer surface to catch and retain said collar attachment member.
 5. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 4 wherein said discontinuities are holes from said inner surface to said outer surface of said tube sections.
 6. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 3 wherein said first and second tube sections include end caps on their outer ends.
 7. The rhythmiC dancing pole defined in claim 6 wherein said first and second tube sections include loose particles therein, said particles rattling within said pole as it is manipulated.
 8. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 7 including: wads of foam rubber positioned within said pole sections near said inner ends thereof to retain said particles within said sections.
 9. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 8 including a second pole substantially similar to the defined pole, said second pole having collars spaced a distance apart which is the same as the distance said first pole collars are spaced apart so when said pole are manipulated, said collars strike together spacing said poles.
 10. At least one rhythmic dancing pole for use in teaching rhythmic motor responses and coordination, said pole including: a first tube having first and second ends and inner and outer surfaces; a first collar including a pair of spaced flanges extending radially inwardly; means for rotatably mounting said first collar about said outer surface of said tube a predetermined distance from the first end thereof, said means for rotatably mounting said first collar including means for engaging said tube, said means for engaging said tube having a pair of spaced abutment surfaces positioned between said pair of first collar spaced flanges for engagement therewith to restrain said first collar at said predetermined distance from said first end of said tube; a second collar including a pair of spaced flanges extending radially inwardly; and means for rotatably mounting said second collar about said outer surface of said tube a predetermined distance from the second end thereof, said means for rotatably mounting said second collar including second means for engaging said tube, said second means for engaging said tube having a pair of spaced abutment surfaces positioned between said pair of second collar spaced flanges for engagement therewith to restrain said second collar at said predetermined distance from said second end of said tube, said first and second means for engaging said tube a predetermined distance from said first and second ends thereof being split tubes extending about said tube more than 180*, said split tubes each having a collar attachment member extending radially inwardly, said tube having discontinuities in at least its outer surface said predetermined distance from its end portions to catch and retain said collar attachment member.
 11. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 10 wherein said discontinuities define holes from said inner surface to said outer surface of said tube.
 12. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 10 wherein said tube includes: large particles therein, said particles rattling within said pole as it is manipulated; and wads of resilient material positioned within said pole near said first and second ends thereof to retain said particles within said pole.
 13. The rhythmic dancing pole defined in claim 10 including a second pole substantially similar to the defined pole, said second pole having collars spaced a distance apart which is the same as the distance said first pole collars are spaced apart so that when said poles are manipulated, said collars strike together spacing said poles.
 14. The rhythmic dancing poles defined in claim 13 wherein each tube includes: a first tube section; a second tube section; and a splice tube having first and second end portions and an outer surface, said splice tube first end being permanently attached within said first tube section inner end and said splice tube second end including means for releaseable attachment to said second tube section inner end, said means for releaseable attachment including a slit extending from said second end thereof, an attachment member extending radially outwardly from said splice tube adjacent such slit a predetermined distance from said first tube section inner end, and a discontinuity in at least tHe inner surface of said second tube section for receiving attachment member, said discontinuity being spaced from said second tube section inner end a predetermined distance similar to said predetermined distance that attachment member is spaced from said first tube section inner end so said first and second tube section inner ends are held together thereby. 